It wasn't my first intention to paint seashells on this getaway. This beautiful island is narrow with very few places to set up an easel (unless you have private property). It was windy and hot, so I opted to paint from my charming - enclosed - back porch.
It was my intention to paint "alla prima" landscape studies, but since outdoor studies didn't present themselves, I had to go with the flow. And as often happens, what I needed appeared - there were a myriad of shells spread like jewels on the beach. How to paint them? I wanted to paint them all! So I just spread them on top of a cooler in interesting patterns, and with a soft pastel palette, let go of preconceived ideas of where it should go and let them unfold. One of my organic vignettes.
"Shell Impression II"
Prints are available through Fine Art America.